From Justice and Peacemaking Committee

In recent weeks, a series of news events have dramatically reminded/alerted our nation that racism and racial inequities are a matter of life and death for Black Americans. These events have exposed the reality that racism exists not only in the actions and attitudes of individuals, but also in the way in which institutions, particularly law enforcement agencies, function.

The Justice and Peacemaking Committee has explored this issue over the past several years through a variety of programs designed to heighten awareness and advocate for change in our institutions. One of our programs was a book study on “ America’s Original Sin” by author Jim Wallis, who is also a minister and justice advocate. Wallis recently published an article in his Sojourner’s magazine that addresses the racial issues of recent events in a way that strongly connects to our work and mission as disciples of Christ.

We invite you to read the article and to prayerfully ponder ways that we can contribute to changing the mindset and attitudes that fuel the racism we see in individuals and in institutions.The article can be read here:

From Plan Ahead Team

Did you get the news of Session’s ratification of the decisions of the Plan Ahead Team to three important decisions in our congregational life?

We will not have in-person worship, indoors or outside, until sometime after David Cagle’s arrival July 1.

We will not have any camps, conferences, or mission trips this year.

We will not grant outside groups facility use until we can safely use our facility.

The “Plan Ahead Team” begins today to explain to you how our in-person worship will be different, beginning with some explanations from Dr. Bill Hickling about our need to wear masks in worship.Next week’s e-news from the Plan Ahead Team will describe how “social distancing in worship” will occur. The following week they’ll talk about changes In worship itself once we return to the sanctuary, and the final article will focus on the medical and physical changes that will be put in place for your health should you be free of any restrictions for worship, e.g., age, co-morbidity issues, and general health. All of these changes are to be compliant with the instructions of the CDC, our state, and the Presbyterian denomination.In-person worship will be much different than what we have known for dozens of years. Remember, these changes will be in place so that your health and the health of other worshipers are maintained.

From Dr. Bill Hickling: In Matthew 22:39, Jesus said to a lawyer “And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This applies to us as we try to come together again in worship. Though our Church Staff has provided excellent weekly virtual worship, we all long to worship together in our GPPC sanctuary. We know that a large portion of our flock is over 60, some with medical issues that create great risk of serious illness or death if they contract COVID-19. If one member were to contract coronavirus as a result of worship, it would be devastating for all. CDC Guidelines urge facial masks when social distancing is not possible. In a 45-60 minute worship service, indoors, it will not be possible to safely socially distance even if we spread out throughout the sanctuary. Your mask protects others from you. One recent study showed that 40% of people were infected from people who had no symptoms of illness. If we all wear masks, it is a loving gesture from one to another. When we come together, we must wear masks together to protect each other.

Bill

Thank you to the people who subscribed to our YouTube channel last week. We only need about 40 more. If everyone who receives our eNews subscribes, we will have more than enough. Won't you please take just a moment and follow the link below?

During this time when our church family is prevented from gathering in person, we are grateful for technology that allows us to gather and worship virtually. The Worship Committee is taking steps to move from recorded services to streaming live. In order to LiveStream from YouTube (the easiest and most accessible option) we need at least 100 subscribers. Please take a moment to join our channel.

And that's all! Don't worry, you're not signing up for unwelcome emails or anything else intrusive. "Subscribers" lets YouTube know how many people are watching a given contributor, and that's how they sell advertising. You don't have to sign up to view our content.

Please add two more people to our GPPC’s extended family of health care workers whom we honor for their service during this difficult time: Dr. Dana Walker - hospitalist at the hospital in Nags Head NC Beth Creamer - Medical Technologist - Wesley Long Hospital, Greensboro.They are daughters of Dick and Carolyn Sherrick.

Our summer camp at Massanetta Springs continues to be an integral part of our faith formation and leadership building program for our youth. If you can, please consider supporting their mission. Check out the link for more information on how you can help.